Current job title: Administrative
Assistant to VP
Industry: Financial planning
Department: Infrastructure & Security
(i.e., technical security)
Years worked in this industry: less
than 1 (temp/contract worker)
Years worked in this department: less
than 1 (temp/contract worker)
Special training or attributes needed or helpful to
get job in this industry (or specific department): Training
in proprietary software/databases. I'm also learning about understanding
advanced technical security concepts (not easy!)
Although I have only been in the financial planning industry for a few
months, I have 25 years of admin experience - I started when we had to
load MultiMate word processing software on the computers every morning
because the PC didn't have enough HD space to hold software!
Number of
managers and/or staff supported: Approximately 30
Typical work hours: 40
Weekends or overtime hours: No, but I'm
willing to.
General salary range
(Note: This is a general figure or range provided by survey respondent and may
NOT be an exact salary in order to
give survey respondent some privacy. Also you must take into account that
the number of years worked in industry/department may contribute to this
salary as well as criteria such as level of position and person reports
to, required hours and geographical location.): Being a temp,
I work at a lower rate than market value. However, a permanent position at my level, and my geographical
area, is low $40,000.
Benefits (direct or indirect): No, and
I try to be careful and stay healthy, LOL! That's the downside of being a
temp. The benefits that are offered by temp agencies are very expensive,
and they don't offer a lot for the money.
Lingo you might hear in this industry:
I'm still learning this, so it's hard to say what would be of interest to
the audience.
A typical day on the job: Lots of
interruptions, multi-tasking...I often don't get to my task list until
mid-afternoon! But I like being busy.
Positive things about being an administrative
professional in this industry: I enjoy the event planning,
using my computer skills, and using my interpersonal skills.
Negative things about being an administrative
professional in this industry:
Money (or lack of it)
I seem to be the "dumping ground" for unwanted tasks...
I can't think of any more. I like being an admin!
Type of workspace/office:
Very nice cubicle
Primary responsibilities as an administrative
professional in this position: Calendaring/meetings,
responding to database requests, keeping my VP on track with his day,
being the first point of contact, and everything else that needs doing!
Top thing(s) incumbent admin would require of job
applicants seeking to be her/his position replacement:
Interpersonal/approachable
Computer skills
Multi-tasking/prioritizing
Office machines or equipment operated regularly:
Computer. Not much of the fax or copier.
Technology (hard) skills used regularly:
MS Office, Lotus Notes, learning proprietary databases
Critical soft skills: Those two, plus
multi-tasking, prioritizing, diplomacy, proactive approach...never getting
rattled, no matter what!
Pace of this position: Let's just say
this is the first time in five business days that I'm checking my email at
home! Usually I just eat a quick sandwich and fall into bed after work.
Geographical region: North/Central U.S.
Karen Porter, The Administrative Professional Job Performance and Career Success Coach™